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We all love to smile. Smiling lifts our spirits, brightens our days. Smiling at other people can cheer them up, too.

But, why?

Let’s Talk About Endorphins

Science shows us that when we smile (or laugh!), our body releases endorphins. Endorphins are a hormone that our central nervous system and pituitary gland produce. Not only do these hormones inhibit the transmission of pain signals; they also produce in us a euphoric feeling.

In short, they help us feel great!

Do we smile because we’re happy, or does smiling make us happy?

We smile when we are happy, but we also become happier when we smile. Charles Darwin first suggested this theory, which is known as “facial feedback hypothesis,” or “feedback loop.” When we smile, our brain decides we must be happy!

A Natural Stress Reliever

Smiling is also known to relieve stress. When we become stressed, we can calm ourselves down by breathing deeply and smiling, to try to change our mood. In fact, a scientific study was conducted that revealed this very fact! The abstract of the study (whose link you can find below) states that the findings of the study show “that there are both physiological and psychological benefits of maintaining positive facial expressions during stress.” We don’t always feel like smiling when we are stressed, but let’s trust science and give it a try!

Watch out, it’s contagious!

Smiles are contagious! Actually, science shows this statement to be true, too! (Follow the link below to read more about the study.) When someone sees another person smile, they are likely to smile, as well. And, because smiling can decrease stress and release endorphins in our brains, our smiles spread calm, positive euphoria to everyone around us!

People can trust a smile!

Another scientific study showed that people who are viewed as being more attractive—including people who smile—are also perceived as being more trustworthy. (Again: the link to the study is below!) We know smiling doesn’t actually make you more trustworthy. We’ll leave it to you to back up your newfound perceived trustworthiness with actual substance!

Let us help your smile!

So now that we know that smiling has SO MANY benefits to us physiologically, psychologically, socially, and communally, we’d love to help you attain a smile that you are truly proud of! If you are self-conscious about your smile, or hide your teeth when you smile, give your orthodontist a call. Truly, it’s for the betterment of society as a whole that everyone has a smile they are excited to show off!